Question

Irradiating（照射）fruits, vegetables, pork and chicken to kill insects and bacteria has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration over the past decade or so. Irradiation of other meats, such as beef and lamb, is being reviewed. Federal approval does not require that industry adopt the process, and few food processors presently offer irradiated products.

Market studies have shown that many consumers are afraid that eating irradiated foods may cause cancer, despite scientific studies that prove the safety of treated foods. Some people argue that more severe government inspection（examining）, higher food-safety standards, and more careful food-preparation practices by consumers are all that is needed to ensure that food is safe. Consequently, companies currently see no need to spend millions of dollars outfitting(装备)processing plants with the equipment necessary for a process that very few shoppers are in favor of.

All supermarkets that sell irradiated food must label that food either directly on the packaging, or, in the case of bulk items like fruits and vegetables, by placing a sign nearby. There is no requirement for the labeling of irradiated food served by chain restaurants or hospitals that buy directly from distributors（经销商）, nor any regulations for products that contain irradiated ingredients.

Presently, the FDA allows food to be treated with three types of radiation—gamma rays, high-energy electrons, and X-rays—and sets limits on doses（辐射量）, depending on the type of food. The principle is that the dose to be used for a certain type of food should not exceed the amount that is sufficient to kill most harmful insects and bacteria present in it. Different types of food, because of their different molecular(分子)compositions, may require different doses of radiation. 

1．According to the passage, killing insects and bacteria present in foods by irradiating       .

A．has been completely approved by the FDA

B．is being reviewed by the FDA

C．is not completely approved by the US government.

D．has been widely adopted in the U.S.

2．Which of the following statements about the consumers’ attitudes toward irradiated foods is NOT true?

A．Many consumers are afraid that irradiated foods may cause cancer.

B．Some consumers are doubtful of the safety of irradiated foods.

C．Some consumers suggest a more severe government inspection be taken.

D．Most consumers welcome the food processing companies outfitted with irradiating equipment.

3．Irradiated food has to be labeled when           .

       A．it is sold at the supermarket                  B．it is served at the restaurants

       C．it is provided in the hospitals                 D．it is produced at the factories

4．Which of the following best reflects the content of the passage? 

A．Although FDA does not approve irradiating food, consumers accept irradiated food.

B．Neither FDA approves irradiating food, nor do consumers accept irradiated food.

C．FDA approves irradiating food to some extent, but irradiated food is not widely accepted.

    D．Both FDA and consumers think that irradiated food is not safe.

Answer 1

CDAC